What young players should Bob Bradley call in October?

                                                               Photo by ISIphotos.com

The U.S. men's national team's next World Cup qualifier isn't for another three weeks but all U.S. fans want to talk about is which new players Bob Bradley will bring into the World Cup qualifying mix.

Here is my story for ESPN.com today on seven players I think have earned the chance at coming into a World Cup qualifying camp and could get a look next month.

So who made the list? The obvious three lead the list. Jozy Altidore, Kenny Cooper and Freddy Adu. I'm definitely in the "Call in Jozy ASAP" group these days, but while I think Cooper and Adu should get calls I am not in the "Start them now" crowd.

So who were the other picks?

I went with Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, Charlie Davies and Jeremiah White. I chose them for their club exploits and for their unique characteristics.

There were other players who I know are popular among MLS fans as potential call-ups, such as Edson Buddle, Nate Jaqua and Bobby Boswell, but I think those players will get consideration in the January national team camp rather than this year.

I know a lot of the urgency among fans for new blood is the questionable production of the U.S. offense, but I'm not sure if any of the prospects mentioned above are the missing link that would have put a few more goals past Guatemala or Cuba. I do think that, of the aforementioned prospects, Altidore is the one who I feel is ready to step in and play major minutes. i know there are some questions about whether you take it slow with an 18-year-old prospect, and whether Altidore has the make-up to handle so much, so soon. That's why it wouldn't surprise me if Bradley took things slowly with Altidore. I personally wouldn't waste any more time and start integrating him into the national team.

As far as the less obvious selections, I do think Charlie Davies merits a look. I also think Chad Marshall has taken major steps toward establishing himself as the best young central defense prospect in MLS. Jeremiah White is a player I'm surprised we haven't seen more of considering the lack of natural right wing options in the pool.

What do you think? What players would you like to see at least get a look in the remaining World Cup qualifiers this year? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Randomher0723]

I hope we see Davies get a chance and I would like to see White play as I have only had 1 opportunity to see him play. Nice article Ives.

[Rob Usry]

Good Stuff Ives, apart from the obvious, Rodgers was a good call, IMO he is 2nd on the "depth chart" behind Beas if he continues to struggle.

[Henry]

Cooper, Altidore , Adu, Rogers, Szetela, Orozco, Davies, and the kid from Pachuca if he accepts.

[Isaac]

This was my question in the Q and A. I have another question though Ives. Does Robbie Rogers,on the whole, seem to fan out as a younger clint dempsey? As for Chad Marshall, he's scored before for the national team has he not? I believe it was on his debut against columbia.If we take things slow with altidore and see consistency, then i'll justify bradley leaving him out. but there have been things in the way...like injuries,and of course the pet peeves of the footballing world scheduling.

[Tony in Quakeland]

I'm a little higher on Buddle for CONFACAF games. He's got an attitude that will help in nasty little street fights. Not sure about him against a European power however. But I can't quibble with your list

[EastLAChiva]

Excellent list.

However, what about under the radar-types? I mean those players that are playing abroad but not necessarily playing in a top-flight league or starting. Sort of another Jemal Johnson type.

The bottom line is that US Soccer has "favorites" in the player pool, but I don't feel they do enough to recognize Latino talent in this country so waht baout abroad?

[Ben]

In no particular order and without being the complete list/or players these guys are a MUST INLCUDE

Robbie Rogers
Sacha Kljestan
Sean Franklin

[undrafted]

Cooper and Adu are pretty much consensus picks by now.

The outside midfielders need some reconsideration. Rogers is a perfect guy to breathe new life into a spot where Lewis is fading and Convey has failed to fully step up.

I'd suggest the entire Dynamo midfield (besides DeRo of course!) deserves some consideration. Brad Davis is dependable, Ricardo Clark still has massive upside even if he's had a few off games this year, Brian Mullan has long been overlooked as one of the best natural right flank players the US has, and Sturt Holden needs some camps to be groomed for a possible future role. These guys could be solid role players if depth is needed.

Marshall needs to get into the system but I don't think he's in the mix for playing time in the near future (too risky to put a young CB out there considering the depth already present). If he adjusts to the current USMNT in a few friendlies, then he might be ready.

Davies and White are interesting options. Talented guys but hard to project how they'd fit in. I'm all for experimenting, but only after the next round is clinched.

[Tony in Quakeland]

Of course, Neven Subotic is a given...

[Tim F.]

I would invite immediately: Altidore, Adu and Subotic

[Tom]

What about that Neven Subotic guy? How about calling him up! haha :P

[david]

parkhurst? doesn't he deserve to continue to get a look and get some first team time. Also i understand taking it slow with jozy but bradley's already started him vs mexico and he scored so maybe take it a little slow but he's shown he is ready to play with this team and he looked comfortable in his la liga debut

[Brant]

I would invite Subotic ahead of Marshall just to get Subotic tied to the country. After that, I'd give Chad all the time alongside Subotic that I could. That's 13 feet of defense that most CONCACAF teams couldn't remotely handle, and would be together for 5-6 years past the BocaGooch era.

[undrafted]

clearly I missed "young" in the title! Right now MLS doesn't have many candidates with Marshall being 24 years old, barely young by most standards. Parkhurst is only 7 months older. Some of the older young players I'd still track include Hesmer, Wingert, Beckerman, Rolfe, and Colin Clark. I'll hold off on including some of my favorites like Mapp, Barrett, and Dasan Robinson unless and possibly until they're in better club form. Gaven is still only 21 and showing some improvement this year for the Crew.

Sean Franklin, Arturo Alvarez, Eric Avila, Anthony Wallace, Jorge Florers, and Abdus Ibrahim are some guys I'd track though certainly not consider ready this year (except maybe Franklin if I could see him play with better teammates).

[Ives]

Guys, Subotic is not an option right now. He has already told the USSF to basically leave him alone and that he isn't making any national team decisions until next year. That should buy him enough time to resolve the Germany option.

[BFBS]

Ives,

White actually has been playing on the left wing in most recent matches, and playing very productively apparently (at least a goal and an assist in the last four games or so). I am a big fan of his, and so thanks for mentioning him in this context.

[undrafted]

Subotic is a delicate situation. I hope Bradley is quietly talking to him. Let him try for Germany if that's what he wants but I guess the courts/regulators will shoot the down soon enough. I wouldn't call him until he wants to be called.

[A.S.]

It's just depressing to think about the potential here, knowing that Bradley is hardly going to use any of these guys.

What happened to the Bradley who was willing to start a young Benny Feilhaber in the Gold Cup final, or play a young Jozy Altidore in a heated match against Mexico in Houston? That guy seems to have disappeared and we're just hoping and praying that this Bradley will deign to call Cooper and Freddie and Jozy into a camp.

[Roberto]

For Oct:
Marvell Wynne
Brad Davis
K Cooper

For future camps:
M Kandji (if he is what they say he is)
M Harrington
Nat Borchers
Cory Gibbs
Bakary Soumare

[noname]

Adu? Altidore? Those guys are too old and they don't even start for their clubs. We should start calling in younger players and giving them experience. What has Bob Bradley got against Charles Renken? Why is he never called up?

[TomM]

I'm all for letting Jozy play. DMB, LD and others got their first caps at 18, and from what I can recall (admittedly limited) I don't remember there being much of a fuss about 'bringing them along slowly'.

[John]

gibbs
cooper
adu
altidore
davies
subotic
holden
szetela
orozco
torres (pachuca kid)

[roberto]

for Oct;
K Cooper
Marvell Wynne
brad Davis (best backup for Dbeas)

For future camps
M harrington
Nat Borchers
m kandji ( if he proves himself in MLS)

[roberto]

forgot these names for future camps
cory Gibbs & Clyde Simms ( love this guy)

[CD]

Sean Franklin, easily Rookie of the year and the only thing good at the Galaxy

[mike in seattle]

Wynn, I think he is ready to take the next step he needs to work on his crossing but he has a great work rate and looks like Frankie 2.0 with his speed. If he can develop a little more touch I think he can back up Dolo and be ready to start by 2010

[DeLarge]

I think he should call in Steve Cronin...

So he can see from the sidelines how to play the goalkeeper position.

[undrafted]

Is Kandji anywhere close to US citizenship?

I forgot Wynne earlier. Soumare deserves a look once eligible (don't want to lose him). Borchers is good but is probably going to miss out in favor of younger players. Gibbs once proven healthy is a no-brainer. Harrington deserves to be in camp this winter. Szetela is in the mix but is unfortunate to be competing with Edu and the coaches son. If he can look consistent as a RM I'd bring him in.

[JL]

Here is my issue with the following line, which I think correctly reflects USSF thinking. "I know a lot of the urgency among fans for new blood is the questionable production of the U.S. offense, but I'm not sure if any of the prospects mentioned above are the missing link that would have put a few more goals past Guatemala or Cuba."

To me, it's not whether or not they would have added more goals in those games, but more what playing in them would provide the younger players. What good does it do bringing in the likes of Lewis, who aren't going to be contributors (hopefully) going forward. Leadership? Well isn't that the responsibility of people like Boca, and Donovan? Relying on aging players cost the US I think in 06, and didn't allow younger players the environment to grow. If guys like Cooper or Altidore aren't given a chance to play in this 1st group stage to gain experience, how are they going to be ready for the Hex or World Cup? Meaningless friendlies? The US needs to give some of these guys a sink or swim chance, instead of rolling out freakin Eddie Johnson for the umpteenth time, only to see him back pass and spare everyone to death. The squad as a whole is good enough to beat every team in the region, let's see if the kids can add something now before its the tougher knock out phase!

[Section133]

"What young players should Bob Bradley call in October?"

Mr Bradley if youre nasty!

[4now]

SANTINO Q.

[Yusef]

I'm not convinced that a match against a central american team will better prepare altidore for the world cup or even the hexagonal than fighting for a place to get in against Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Where in the back does Subotic usually play?

[Joey]

Considering our starting XI in 2010 will include: Cooper, Jozy, Adu, Subotic I would hurry and get them in!!

[Erik Abarca]

Is Steve Cherundolo hurt? cuz he failed to make the squad for the second str8 game. By the way they got killed today 4-0 by Bayer Leverkusen. The only good thing out of that game was that Sal Zizzo came in the 50th min for Hannover 96

[jocelyn]

I say call subotic from Borussia Dortmund and Torres from pachuca emediately before somebody call them. i would also love to see cooper and altidore as the pair in the US offense.

[arena futobol]

So, to review...

I. 25 Players used in 5 WCQs so far this cycle (Caps in those 5) (* = only WCQs under Bradley came against Barbados)

GK: T. Howard (3), B. Guzan (2)

D: H. Pearce (5), O. Onyewu (4), C. Bocanegra (4), S. Cherundolo (3), F. Hejduk (2), D. Califf* (1), J. DeMerit* (1), D. Moor* (1)

M: D. Beasley (5), M. Bradley (5), L. Donovan (4), E. Lewis (4), S. Kljestan (3), F. Adu* (2), M. Edu (2), P. Mastroeni (2), D. Szetela* (1), J. Thorrington* (1)

F: B. Ching (4), C. Dempsey (4), E. Johnson (2), C. Barrett* (1), C. Rolfe* (1)

II. Players not yet used in WCQs but suggested by Ives/SBI Mafia (* = previously capped by BB this cycle; # = not "young" = not born 84 or later; [name] = not (yet) US eligible)

GK: W. Hesmer#

D: N. Borchers#, S. Franklin, C. Gibbs#, C. Marshall, M. Orozco, C. Wingert#// M. Wynne*, M. Parkhurst* // [B. Soumare, N. Subotic]

M: C. Clark, M. Harrington, S. Holden, R. Rogers, C. Simms // K. Beckerman*#, B. Carroll*#, R. Clark*#, B. Davis*#, B. Feilhaber*, E. Gaven*, J. Mapp*, B. Mullan*#, J. White*# // [J. Torres]

F: E. Buddle# // J. Altidore*, K. Cooper*, C. Davies* // [M. Kandji]

[Dyl]

1. Cooper
2. Wynne
3. Gaven
4. Jozy
5. Rodgers
6. Adu
7. Davies
8. Beckerman
9. Wingert
10. Soumare

[Yossarian]

Hi Ives,

Love the article. I, like JL, would like to comment on the part where you said, "I know a lot of the urgency among fans for new blood is the questionable production of the U.S. offense, but I'm not sure if any of the prospects mentioned above are the missing link that would have put a few more goals past Guatemala or Cuba," though I'd like to write about a different aspect than JL tackled.

You also mentioned a similar sentiment with regards to Benny Feilhaber in a previous post and I'd like to clarify what many of us are asking for. It's not that we think Benny or Freddie or Stuart Holden or Cooper or several others will necessarily, by themselves be responsible for scoring or even assisting on a prodigious host of extra goals.

Our point, rather, is that these players have an overall higher degree of skill and ability to make a positive, quick, first and second touch on the ball, rather than play the kickball style that many of the current U.S. vets play. We feel that raising the overall level of skill on the field will eventually lead to more goals, and a an increase in our chances of competing in matches against the better teams in Europe and South America.

Yes, we understand that the kickball style works well in CONCACAF, but against the ball-pressure of European teams, it often falls apart. I was very impressed with the ability of the U-23 players to possess the ball and play a cool, level-headed, tic-tac-toe passing game against the Netherlands in the Olympics, and many of us feel that this is the only way we will eventually be able to gain consistent results against these better teams. We would like to transition more of these skilled players into the lineup in order to change the basic style of play, not just to implant players who can kick the ball better into the net.

[DeliBelly]

The two guys I'd like to see in the mix are:

* Michael Parkhurst has consistently been one of the best defenders in MLS for the past 3 years
* J.F. Torres is getting plenty of playing time with Pachuca in the Mexican league

[David]

I go for Cooper, Altidore , Adu, & Rogers. I think there is a limit to the # of new players that Bradley can introduce.

I also like Neven Subotic who would be a great addition to the squad and is our long term center half

[roberto]

guys forget about Subotic
he WILL NOT choose US
remember me
he just won't
he's a mercenary
just like G Rossi

Again... He will not play for US
Signed:
me

[Amy]

Why is Parkhurst "taking a step back"? What does that mean exactly?

[gride]

Hey, what about John O'Brien? We haven't seen him on the national team in a while.

[Eugene]

Don't think Jozy should be called in anymore this year. The guy needs time to get settled at Villarreal and work his way into the first team. Honestly, CONCACAF qualifying is a waste of his time.

Call up Cooper, call up Davies. Don't call Adu for the same reasons as Jozy above.

Call up Parkhurst, but only if we plan to start him, otherwise let's not waste his time. Call up Soumare.

[Dan in FL]

Troy Perkins in goal.

[EA]

Guys,

For those that are throwing Kandji out there, I've seen him play in person. He's MLS good, not USA good.

Think a *slightly* more skilled Joseph Ngwenya.

[cleutz1]

I thought Holden and Szetela had strong games in the Olympics, especially Holden (except the poor foul against the Dutch). I would like to see him more in the mix.

[Roberto]

john o brien ??

That was a funny one
he's retired!

He does play ocassional pick up games
though

[ETucker]

Great list Ives. Regardless of the young players, Bradley really needs to open up the competition for spots. The best decision he has made was benching Mastroeni for Clark in the second half of the Gold Cup final. Aside from that, he has his 11 and doesn't appear willing to change it.

For example, I still dont understand why Sacha K did not play a major role in the last 3 WC games (granted, 1-0 away wins over minnows)

The US looks lethargic: all the players know they are "locks" and dont play with enough energy or aggression from the get-go.

www.futfanatico.com

[SonicDeathMonkey]

@EA

Plus the fact that Kandji is not even a citizen of this country. And for those who keep mentioning his name, neither is Soumare.

[Amit]

Robbie Findley, Jeff Parke, Brad Davis.

[wendel]

get soumare on the nats asap. the kid is the future of defending.

[jmac]

Torres from Pachuca
Stuart Holden

[huricano]

Can anyone tell me what happened with Jaqua in Austria? He seemed quality playing for Chicago, but has seemed to have dipped off. American strike force: Cooper & Altidore, Landon in the hole, Dempsy out wide right (Joaquin style). Twellman and Adu waiting on the bench.

[metrostar 4 life]

Howard, Conway (hot lately before last night), Bocanegra,Onyewu, Subotic, Wynne, Cherundolo, Bradley, Kljestan, Adu, R. Rogers,Beasley, Clint, JOZY, COOPER, Landon

NO CHING

[Skinn]

Cuervo
Daniels
Smirnoff
Heinz
Hershey
....

and Subotic, of course.

[undrafted]

Jaqua scored some goals in Austria. Probably turned down some slightly better offers to come home and play in Houston.

[nothing]

arturo alvarez

[Ryan G]

Altidore and Davies are the two most important guys to call up. Altidore is just a phenom. I wouldn't start Davies. Put him in as a 60 minute sub and let his speed kill a tired defense. The US women's team uses Natasha Kai as a super sub in the second half, and she destroys tired defenses with her pace and intensity. Davies can be that guy on the men's side.

[paul Lorinczi]

What about Szetela?

Isn't he getting minutes and being productive with Brescia?

[Skinn]

@ arena futobol: what, no hieroglyphics?

[AJ]

Next Freddy Adu already getting so much hype that arsenal is looking at him>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AspL1ShdsroonH5Bj0uLBwAmw7YF?slug=go-nextadu091808&prov=goal&type=lgns

[Tom R]

If we can get this in every International game we will be in great shape for WC2010.

http://crewonespot.blogspot.com/2008/09/keys-to-victory-against-

[Mig]

@Paul Lorinczi:

Szetela is starting for Brescia and has been playing 90 minutes. As to productivity, I don't know. They have drawn their last two matches, 1-1, and 0-0 but I don't do a lot of reading on Serie B.

Regards,

[Michael F.]

Agree with your list Ives. Just disagree with one comment: Adu is ready to start and he needs those minutes to get better. He is the ONLY creative midfielder we have. I love LD but he's really a forward. Adu is the only player we have with ideas. THE ONLY ONE. And I disagree about him being a defensive liability. Did you see him track back and drop deep in the defense to help out at the Olympics? I did and was impressed. Please point out where he has been a liability on defense, maybe a game where he cost us goal. I want to see what I'm missing. Keep up the great site. Thanks.

[Scott at Robertson Stadium]

I'm glad that some of the Dynamo players' names were brought up (thanks "undrafted"). Holden made his share of mistakes in the Olympics, but he has the ability to play attacking center midfield (he sometimes fills in for DeRo) or the wing. He's got that offensive *spark* that seems missing in the US attack.

Ricardo Clarke has been rock solid in the holding midfield position for the Dynamo. He's no Javier Mascherano, but he puts a lot of force into tackling, and is very disruptive.

Nate Jaqua has been really impressive since coming back to the US. His ball control and vision are obvious assets, but he's also tall and strong.

The question, I guess, is whether these guys are MLS-good or US-good. And, if they're the former, then they're not really solid prospects for 2010, and it's a waste of time to give them squad experience in 2008 and 2009.

[Roberto]

here's a few more names that I want to add
they are not to be taken as definitive for 2010
but rather as players who deserve a chance to be looked at wearing a US jersey (and that never have)

Jeff Parke (reminds me of Italian defenders)

J Larentowicz (very smart player who usually makes good decisions)

Clyde Simms (said it before & will say it again)

Brian Mullan ( he's an idiot & arrogant met him once.. But I admit he is indeed overlooked, plus he can also play right back)

Lawson Vaughn I know he's been injured but once back at 100% is a very interesting player who combines very well with players on the right especially Kjlestan

Arturo Alvarez has what most US player have; fantasy & unexpected moves second only to Adu in that.

[roberto]

correction about A Alvarez; has what US players DONT have
fantasy & unexpected moves
sorry

[Aquaman]

what about Corey Ashe...last time I saw him was at the tournament in France, but he was pretty good. I don't know how he's been playing for Houston but he might be worth a look. Just since I'm a big FC Dallas fan what about Dax McCarty, Brek Shea, Anthony Wallace or Eric Avila. Is Peri Marosevic eligible to play for the full senior national team...he's been scoring in loads for the U-20's

[phil]

If Brek Shea can get called in to camp to train with the US team (what does he have, like, 3 appearances w/Dallas?), we need to have some more youngsters there to get their feet wet and to see what they can truly do. For any player born in 1988 or older there are no more tournaments to show their stuff, so any attacker (Zimmerman, Ferrari) should be called in now and for the January supercamp. Also any good attacker/creative midfielder born in 1989 or 1990, who should contribute major minutes to the 2009 U-20 team (Bryan Arguez, Jorge Flores!, Felix Garcia...yeah, I said it) should be there.

[Doug]

Forget Subotic. Any player whose #1 choice is not the US, is not worthy of the jersey. We are deep enough now that we no longer need to take whoever. Let him go and focus on those whose dream it is to play for the US.

[BBB]

Ives,

"...the U..S. national team hasn't had a truly dangerous creative midfielder in the middle of the park since before John O'Brien turned into the Howard Hughes of American soccer..."

That is quality, Sir.

-BBB

[lubs]

MLS coaches will be less than thrilled losing players to Nats while clubs are fighting for play-off spots. I expect mostly Europe-based players for Cuba and T/T. Some players from eliminated MLS teams should get the call against Guatemala.
As for Soumare, he's too raw. That would be even more obvious if not for Conde. Soumare's time will come in '14 and '18.

[elisa]

Jozy, Freddy, Coop, Robbie, Charlie Davis, and Nate Holden, Parkhurst, Wynne, Szetela. Oh and keep Sasha Klejstan in the team please.

[elisa]

I also feel that Bradley needs to bring in the Mexican Americans playing in the FMF like Orozco, Torres, Castillo (bro), etc that have not played for Mexico. We need to mix it up and get the best players possible.

[Jacob]

Soumare has stated he wants to play for the US and has started his begun the citizenship process.

Kandji will never play for the US, he's in talks with his native land of Senegal to potentially come into camps for them and has stated his desire to play for them.

[TD]

There are a lot of people quick to jump on the Charlie Davies bandwagon, especially after he came on against Nigeria in the Olympics and shook things up.

But if you've spent any time actually watching Charlie train day in and day out, you quickly see that he's very gifted athletically but has not developed much of a mind for the game.

He has a lot of developing to do and while it would be great to see him developing under the eyes of the national team staff, he has no business at this point being fast tracked as the next great scoring threat.

[Strider]

Soumare has stated he would love to play for the US once he gets his citizenship, probably next year. He needs to be on the long-term radar, but can't be on the team at this point. We need to be realistic about how many new players BB brings on at this time. I really want to see Jozy get to work with the other starters. I also was impressed with the little I saw of Charlied Davies at the Olympics and think his club form should earn him a look. I think Rogers has potential as well and would love to see what he could do with the USMNT. We really need to get some additional experience for some of these younger guys so that can be ready for the hexagonal and WC 2010.

[brentmcd]

great article. love this discussion. hopefully coach bradley is focused on the long-term goal of wc2010. in which case, it's time to work the youngsters into the lineup and start leaving the older guys at home. let the youth movement commence!

thanks for your previous contributions guys, but the national team no longer requires your services:
lewis
hejduk
wolff
robinson
conrad
twellman
johnson

welcome to the big time, kids. keep working hard, and you'll wear the shirt in south africa:
altidore
adu
wynne
orozco
holden
szetela
kljestan